Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Rafael scoffed and said nothing more, though a trace of frustration lingered in his heart. It was becoming clear that Tiana and the entire Rhodes family no longer seemed to take Joe seriously.

Especially that seductive woman herself. She had been growing closer and closer to Andrew.

Was she really banking on Andrew to be her shield?

Rafael found it laughable. After all, Joe was the pride of the Driscoll family, a once-in-a-generation prodigy. If he stepped onto the scene, Andrew would not last

a second.

Granted, Tiana used to be cautious when it came to the Driscolls. But now that her own strength was nearing the level of a martial king, she had enough power to command respect on her own.noveldrama

And Andrew? He was not just some small-time punk from Jayrodale as everyone assumed. He was the Dragon Prince of the Lloyds the son of the man who once drove Tiana absolutely mad with desire.

As they said, like father, like son.

With Lauren now linked to such a monstrous talent, Tiana could not care less what the Driscoll family thought. Even if she had to pick sides right now, she would choose Andrew without a second of doubt.

It was not just because he could stand toe-to-toe with Joe, the Driscoll family's golden boy. It was also personal-because in Tiana's mind, Andrew had already become one of her own.

If not, why would she always find herself drawn to him, teasing and lingering around her own son-in-law?

Of course, Tiana's kindness toward Andrew also contained some twisted emotions she couldn't voice. Those complex feelings were not worth sharing with outsiders.

Just then, Mosby, already out of patience, slammed his palm on the table. "Andrew, did you bring the Rhodes family's map fragment or not?"

Andrew remained vague. "Does it matter whether I brought it or not?"

Mosby's face darkened. "What the hell do you think? Of course it matters, and you damn well know it!"

Kevin frowned. "Andy, stop joking around. If you didn't bring the map fragment, then our gathering here today would be meaningless."

Andrew snorted coldly. "I've been running around everywhere, getting the last map fragment to reveal itself. Meanwhile, you all sat back comfortably, gathered your men, and prepared to swoop in and steal the reward. Do you take me for an idiot? I do all the heavy lifting, and you show up at the finish line to grab the treasure?"

With these words, everyone looked at each other.

Someone scoffed and said, "Look at you, acting like you're the victim now? Treasure's up for grabs. May the strongest win. You could've brought your own army too!"

"We told you from day one-there's no place for you in Blumedale. You insisted on going against us. Now you're out of cards? Serves you right!"

A chorus of ridicule filled the hall, their words sharp and full of venom.

Even Kevin nodded silently to himself. From the looks of it, among all the forces here, Andrew's side

was basically irrelevant now. Compared to Rafael and Mosby, who had come fully prepared Andrew had brought only two subordinates and Tiana.

It was obvious to them that Andrew had zero leverage.

Rafael urged, "Andrew, stop playing games. Since you brought people and came here, no one would believe the Rhodes family map fragment hasn't revealed its true form."

Andrew did not waste words and slowly took out the last map fragment. "The map fragment has naturally revealed its original form. But why should I share it with you?"

This single sentence thoroughly enraged everyone. Even Kevin said coldly, "Andy, don't go too far. We agreed beforehand that this last map fragment would be left to you to figure out. If you dare play tricks today, don't blame me for turning my back on you."